10 Best Bass Boat Brands
Nothing compares to the freedom of owning your own bass boat – tow it to your favorite lake whenever you want, and spend as long as you’d like to fish, there are no restrictions.
But when it comes to buying a boat, everything’s not all rainbows and unicorns. You’ve got to know where to start looking for the best bass boat and do a good amount of research before investing so much money.
So if you’re one of those people who realize the liberating aspect of buying your own sweet ride but don’t have a clue where to start searching – don’t worry. I’ve listed the ten best bass boat brands where you can hunt for the boat of your dreams.
Also, before you head out to your dealer, check out the quick buying guide at the end of this post. Keep reading!
Top 10 Bass Boats Brands that You’ll Love
If you’re enthusiastic about fishing, you’ll want a reliable and high-tech boat. The brands I’ve listed below will tick all the boxes of requirements of your dream bass boat.
Tracker Boats
If what you’re looking for is a budget-friendly boat that does not give up on you in the middle of nowhere, Tracker Boats is the place to go. It is a brand manufactured by Tracker Marine Group and owned by the Bass Pro Shops, which also owns Cabela’s and several other popular trademarks.
They offer a wide range of models, including aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, pontoon boats, and utility boats, designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. Tracker Boats are sold through a network of dealerships across North America and are popular among anglers and boating enthusiasts. But one of the best things about their bass boats is that they won’t make you empty your bank account.
You can purchase one with an attractive design and lots of features without a doubt about its quality.
This is because the sheer volume of the boats Tracker sell allows them to reduce costs while still using cutting-edge design and technology. Oh, and the best part? These are aluminum boats (you can finally fish in that shallow lake now) with the best warranties you’ll ever get.
Crestliner
A bass boat brand countdown wouldn’t be complete without including the world-famous Crestliner. It all started way back in 1946 when a young man named William Morse Sr. built his first aluminum boat. Years later, the company developed into the fastest-selling, reliable fishing boats brand in the country.
With a limited lifetime warranty on all boats, these durable yet agile bass boats will allow you to become a fan of the outdoors. In fact, Crestliner has a program for students called ‘Angling Aces,’ which promotes the passion for fishing amongst youngsters.
With boat engines starting from 20 HP and going all the way up to 250, you’ll find that these bass boats have a wide price range. And if you’re a serious angler wishing to win that bass tournament, check out the Crestliner XF series.
They also offer customizable options for many of their models to meet the specific needs of customers. Crestliner boats are sold through a network of dealerships throughout North America and are popular among both fishing enthusiasts and recreational boaters.
Ranger Boats
If you want to go all in to buy the best bass boat, I suggest you look into Ranger boats. Mind you – you’ll have to invest a good amount to purchase these super sporty, fully-equipped boats. I guarantee they’re worth the extra bucks, though.
In 2019, the brand was acquired by Bass Pro Shops and became part of its family of brands. Ranger Boats is recognized as a premium brand of fishing boats renowned for their inventive designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and adaptability.
With a legacy that dates back 50 years, Ranger boats have industry-leading fiberglass and aluminum bass boats. If you’re into fiberglass boats, their 10-year warranty on structure and a 3-year warranty on the interior will be something you’ll appreciate.
Are you hesitant to invest over 30,000 bucks on a Ranger boat? You can always participate in the Ranger Cup to win back some money, where the winning purse can reach 1 million or more.
Safety, latest technology, comfort, and masterful design – what more could you want from a bass boat?
Bass Cat
Founded in 1971, it’s one of the longest-operating bass boat builders in the world. Bass Cat Bass Boats is a specialized brand of high-performance fishing boats that are designed specifically for bass fishing. They are known for their superior speed, stability, and maneuverability on the water, making them a top choice for professional and amateur bass anglers.
With a lifetime structural warranty, these bass boats will serve you well when fishing leisurely or competing in tournaments. Even though most of them have smaller deck sizes than the other brands on this list, their design and durability are unbeatable.
Recessed trolling motor pedals and vacuum molding techniques that enable one-piece construction of the hull, floor, and stringers are two innovations attributed to the brand. Bass Cat boats are renowned for their incredible strength and energy transfer as a result of the latter.
With some of the most powerful motors, ranging up to 450 HP, you’ll find yourself gliding through the water with a Bass Cat. In fact, these boats are known for handling rough water pretty well.
Excellent customer service and reliability are the Bass Cat’s signature traits. So, if you’re looking for something robust, durable, yet innovative and cutting-edge, Bass Cat’s bass boats are the way to go.
Nitro Boats
Another subsidiary brand of Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Boats, provides yet another impressive range of fiberglass bass boats. Certified and awarded by the NMMA for superb customer satisfaction, Nitro has some of the most feature-packed fiberglass bass boats.
For instance, look at their latest Z21 Pro model. It has superior construction, a comfortable interior, and everything you could possibly ask for in terms of fishability. It’s a bass and crappie angler’s dream.
Purchased with a heavy-duty trailer, these boats have a mid to high-end price range. But trust me, they’re worth it with their powerful 300 HP engines and ample deck space.
And did you know? This brand works with some of the top sportsmen of the fishing world to improve their design and bring you the best of the best. Considering those facts, Nitro will seriously add some nitro to your bass fishing game and take it to the top.
Lowe Boats
An industry leader in small fishing boats, Lowe started back in 1971. Today, it offers some of the most affordable yet high-quality aluminum bass boats.
The Stinger series is for those who want mid-range aluminum bass boats with 150 HP engines, while the Skorpion series starts from around mid teens, which is one of the best prices for newbies.
But if you want a super attractive package for a reasonable price, you might want to look into the Lowe Legacy – a boat specially built to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
Lowe Boats offers a diverse selection of models, including aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, pontoon boats, and recreational boats, designed for both freshwater and saltwater use. The boats are fully customizable with a wide range of options and features, providing customers with tailored vessels to fit their specific needs.
The best part? They offer a limited lifetime warranty on several of their boat’s components, including the fully-welded aluminum build. Moreover, they let you customize a lot of stuff about your boat, including the vinyl flooring – something truly worth spending on.
Xpress Boats
Xpress Boats is considered as the pioneer of all-welded aluminum boats, as the company started back in 1966 and quickly flourished throughout the years.
These bass boats are cleverly designed to steer through shallow waters with their 115 to 250 HP engines.
But what Xpress Boats is especially proud of is its hulls, which are high-quality, strong, and agile. The Hyper-lift hulls of these bass boats, in particular, let you glide through all kinds of water for the best fishing experience.
Not just this, but they also come with pretty cool-looking exteriors. For instance, the Xplorer Bass series has an impressive camouflage design that is sure to turn heads. Aluminum bass boats that don’t just feel great, but also look great? Yes, please!
Xpress Boats offers a range of models, including bass boats, multi-species boats, and jon boats, designed for use in freshwater and saltwater. The boats are built with advanced welding and construction techniques, resulting in a durable and lightweight vessel.
Overall, these mid-range bass boats are the perfect pick for those looking for excellence in aluminum structures. I’m sure you’re going to be super ‘xcited’ once you get your hands on these bass boats, just as their tag line suggests.
Lund Boats
Yet another impressive range of bass boats come from Lund boats, which has over 70 years of experience in the industry. These bass boats are made of the most durable aluminum in the industry, which is why you get a ten-year limited warranty with them. Lund Boats is a brand of high-quality fishing boats that has been in operation since 1948.
They are known for their rugged construction, innovative designs, and versatility, making them a popular choice among anglers and boating enthusiasts.
Moreover, Lund considers safety as one of their top priorities, so you can never get in trouble with these boats. All of them (including the smaller varieties) have a closed-cell foam to maintain stable and leveled flotation so that you can stay safe in the roughest of waters with the smallest of boats.
You’ll also notice that the designers have paid close attention to detail in the boat’s interior design. A live well for the bait, small storage compartments for added space, grippy decks for further ensuring comfort and safety – they’ve got it all.
Not too shabby, is it? Note that you might have to pay an extra thousand bucks for these bass boats, but the sheer durability and versatility of them makes it worth it.
Skeeter
Seventy years of experience leads to unmatched excellence, and that’s exactly what Skeeter’s bass boats have to offer. Having been founded in 1948 by Holmes Thurmond. The company is headquartered in Kilgore, Texas.
With these boats, you’re the one in control. They give you superbly responsive handling and allow you to make sharp, 90° turns with ease. This is very useful when it comes to tournaments, which is why Skeeter is very popular amongst serious anglers.
Plus, the boat’s expert hull design with a 20° deep-V gives you the added benefit of staying dry and comfortable on the deck. Skeeter is known for its state-of-the-art engineering and construction techniques, resulting in lightweight yet durable boats that can handle even the most challenging water conditions.
Apart from excellence in performance and design, Skeeter has won 18 consecutive CSI awards for one of the industry’s best customer services. And who doesn’t like a brand which stands behind their boats and backs you up?
You get a wide price range with Skeeter, but one thing remains constant – quality. Hence, it’s worth looking into, especially their newly-launched FXR bass boats, which offer powerful engines and unbeatable stability.
Gambler Boats
If what you’re looking for is a brand that pays close attention to what you want and serves you for a lifetime, Gambler Boats is the place to go. It specializes in bass boats and ensures high standards when it comes to construction and performance. Gambler Boats has been in operation since 1977 and is headquartered in Florida.
Gambler only takes limited orders per year to stand by their rule of ‘quality over quantity.’ Over 35 years of experience in designing bass boats have bought them some loyal customers that swear by their boat’s performance.
From chemically-bonded double hulls and extended reverse chines to stainless steel latches and high-end speakers, Gambler gives you the best of the best.
So if you’re a die-hard bass fisher looking to make a statement with your bass boat, contact them today.
Bass Boat Buying Guide
There’s more to buying a bass boat than simply looking up popular brands. You need to know exactly what you’re looking for, especially if it’s your first time purchasing a boat. Even the best brands can prove unsatisfying if you don’t buy the boat that fits your needs.
So, here are some basic yet important things you should consider about a bass boat:
Material
The strength of aluminum versus fiberglass in boats can depend on various factors, including the quality of the materials, the thickness and design of the boat, and the intended use of the boat. Generally speaking, aluminum boats are known for their durability and resistance to impact, making them a popular choice for boats used in rugged conditions, such as fishing or hunting. Aluminum boats can withstand collisions with rocks or other hard objects in the water, and they are less likely to crack or puncture than fiberglass boats.
Fiberglass boats, on the other hand, are typically lighter and more maneuverable than aluminum boats. They can also be designed to have a more streamlined shape, which can result in a faster and more fuel-efficient boat. Fiberglass boats are known for their resistance to UV rays and weathering, making them a good choice for boats used in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Overall, both aluminum and fiberglass boats have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, intended use, and budget.
Engine
When purchasing a bass boat, choosing the right engine is a crucial decision that can affect your overall experience on the water. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an engine for your bass boat:
- Engine Type: There are two main types of engines: outboard and inboard. Outboard engines are typically more common in bass boats due to their ease of use, versatility, and easier maintenance. Inboard engines, on the other hand, are less common in bass boats and are typically found in larger vessels.
- Horsepower: The horsepower of your engine will determine your boat’s speed and performance. The ideal horsepower will depend on the size of your boat and the intended use. Larger boats will require more horsepower to achieve optimal performance, while smaller boats may need less.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to spend long hours on the water. Look for an engine that is fuel-efficient and can provide enough power to meet your needs.
- Brand: Choose an engine from a reputable brand that is known for quality and reliability. Some popular brands for bass boat engines include Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude, and Suzuki.
- Maintenance: Consider the maintenance required for your engine, including regular service intervals, replacement parts, and repair costs. Look for an engine that is easy to maintain and has a good warranty.
- Price: Engine prices can vary widely depending on the type, horsepower, and brand. Set a budget for your engine and choose the best option that fits within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose an engine that is reliable, fuel-efficient, and provides the right amount of power for your bass boat. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable dealer or mechanic for guidance and recommendations.
Even if you don’t want a speed demon for a boat, try investing in a higher HP engine. This will allow you to resell the boat for a better price compared to boats with a low HP engine.
Hull Weight
When buying a bass boat, hull weight is an important factor to consider as it can affect your boat’s speed, fuel efficiency, and overall performance on the water. Here are some things to consider when evaluating hull weight:
The size of your boat will play a significant role in determining the appropriate hull weight. Larger boats will generally require heavier hulls to maintain stability, while smaller boats may be able to achieve adequate stability with lighter hulls.
The material used in the hull construction can also affect the overall weight of the boat. Fiberglass boats are typically heavier than aluminum boats, but they may provide better durability and performance in certain conditions.
Hull weight can also impact the boat’s speed, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. A heavier boat may not be as fast or fuel-efficient as a lighter one, but it may provide better stability and handling in rough water conditions.
The hull should also be considered in relation to the boat’s capacity. Overloading a boat can cause it to become unstable, which can be dangerous. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications for maximum weight capacity before purchasing a boat.
The weight of the hull can also impact the price of the boat. Typically, boats with lighter hulls are less expensive than those with heavier hulls. Consider your budget and the intended use of the boat when evaluating hull weight.
Ultimately, the appropriate hull weight for your bass boat will depend on several factors, including boat size, material, performance, capacity, and budget. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable dealer or mechanic for guidance and recommendations to ensure that you make the best decision for your needs.
Trailer
Does your boat come with a trailer? It’s easier to buy a package that includes the appropriate trailer at a discounted price, as it means less hassle and more affordability for you.
Warranty
Perhaps the most important aspect of a boat is its warranty. It decides whether the company will back you up when something fails. So look for 5+ years of warranty on components and 10+ on the structure.
A warranty can provide you with protection and peace of mind in case of any defects or problems with the boat. Here are some things to consider when evaluating a warranty:
- Length of the Warranty: The length of the warranty can vary widely between manufacturers. Some may offer a warranty for one year, while others may offer coverage for up to five years or more. Consider the length of the warranty and how long you plan to keep the boat.
- Coverage: Look for a warranty that provides comprehensive coverage for the boat, including the hull, engine, and other components. Some warranties may have limitations or exclusions, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.
- Transferability: A warranty that is transferable to the next owner can increase the resale value of your boat. If you plan to sell the boat in the future, consider a warranty that can be transferred to the new owner.
- Service Requirements: Some warranties may require you to perform regular maintenance on the boat at specific intervals to maintain coverage. Consider the service requirements of the warranty and whether they are reasonable and practical for your needs.
- Reputation: Choose a warranty from a reputable manufacturer that is known for quality and reliability. Look for reviews and feedback from other boat owners to evaluate the manufacturer’s reputation.
- Price: The cost of the warranty can vary depending on the length of coverage and the manufacturer. Consider the price of the warranty and whether it provides good value for your investment.
By considering these factors, you can choose a warranty that provides adequate coverage and protection for your bass boat. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully and ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the coverage.
Deck Size
When it comes to fishing bass or crappie, you’d naturally want more working room at the front. Not only will this give you space to move about with ease, but will also prevent unnecessary spills and mishaps.
So I suggest looking for boats that don’t have a very pointed front. Rectangular decks are more spacious in general and allow two people to fish comfortably.
Beam
A beam of a boat is its width, and if comfort is your top priority, you’ll want wider beams. Such boats offer bigger seats and more room for accessories or storing equipment. They also allow you to install a third seat between the passenger and the driver.
This video has been included for its clarification of the topic matter. Credit goes to Harbour Masters
Conclusion
There are several top bass boat brands that are highly regarded by anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. While opinions may vary depending on personal preferences, The list above is our favorites and are some of the best bass boat brands on the market today.
These brands offer a wide range of models, from aluminum to fiberglass boats, designed for freshwater and saltwater use. They are known for their high-quality construction, innovative designs, and customization options to meet the specific needs of anglers. Ultimately, the best bass boat brand is the one that suits your individual needs and preferences, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water with confidence and comfort.
Buying a boat doesn’t have to be expensive. You can get a fast ride with the necessary features at a very reasonable price, especially with the trusted and reliable brands I’ve listed above.
Just be sure to know exactly what you want. Think material, size, and speed – and you’ll be all set to buy the rig of your dreams.
